Michael Cheika backs Tolu Latu to keep his cool in Cardiff

Australia coach Michael Cheika has thrown his support behind firebrand hooker Tolu Latu after handing him a surprising first start in almost two years against Wales in Cardiff.

The Wallabies are looking to record a 14th successive win against the Welsh on Sunday (0420 AEDT) with Latu one of four changes made by Cheika from the side that lost to New Zealand two weeks ago in Japan.

Latu has been sin-binned twice this season, including a 10-minute spell on the sidelines for slapping All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor in Tokyo.

Cheika has jettisoned Folau Fainga'a with veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau named on the bench and is confident Latu can hold his nerve in the red-hot environment of the Principality Stadium.

"I think Folau Fainga'a has had a great year," he said.

"He wasn't playing Super Rugby at the start of the year and he's been ... starting for the Wallabies for four or five games in a row.

"It gives an opportunity to Tolu who's had his ups and downs over the last few weeks but I'm a big believer in Tolu and giving him a chance at starting."